Wow, what can words say about ordination, meditation, chanting the dhamma, ‘pindabaat’or almsrounds; experiencing danna and the generosity of the local Thais every morning and being barefoot in Thailand? If you have ever wondered as a Westerner (or ‘western minded individual’) what it would be like to learn and practise as the Buddha taught as a monk, then seriously consider this well organised and supported Dhamma Effort in Fang!!
You might not reached nibbana in this lifetime, but at least you can get your feet wet …
with metta,
w. wright (monkforamonth january 2011)
I cannot speak highly enough of my stay at the temple – just a amazing experience and you will be well looked after and guided on your journey.
Everyone from Graham, Ben and Phra Fred and Phra Greg were so helpful and considerate.
There is much to learn, and many many opportunities to do so – make the most of every single second of your stay.
My stay at the temple was only for 6 days, so did not involve ordination, nor did I take the 8 precepts, and as someone who already refers to himself as Buddhist, my aim was not so much to learn about Buddhism, but to experience and learn about the everyday role of the temple within the Thai community. I have to say, I was completely blown away by the experience and humbled by the warmth and generosity of spirit of the monks and novices at the temple,of Graham who facilitates on behalf Blood Foundation, and of the wider lay community in general. I can’t recommend this highly enough, suffice to say that it was so good, that I will definitely be going back for more! (Liking!Liking!)
I spent two amazing weeks at wat Sri Bouen Ruang. Here I had the opportunity to learn about Buddhism and Vipassana meditation from two knowledgeable teachers – Phra Greg and Phra Fred. The temple is a beautiful and peaceful place – a great relaxed environment in which to learn. My stay at the temple was an experience of a lifetime. I learnt so much and enjoyed it so much that I returned for another week. I would definitely recommend staying at the temple to anyone who is interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation 🙂
Wednesday, 09 March, 2011
I just returned from a three week stay at the temple. I was there last year and it made such an impact on me that I decided to return for an ordained stay. The program has changed somewhat and I believe the guests should have an option to pick the Fang Valley Experince or the Temple Stay.
Special thanks go to Prahs Fred and Greg for assisting me in my search and to Graham and Gina for putting up with me.
Thank you for your kind words Ralph.We certainly enjoyed having you stay with us.
We are in discussion with the Fang Valley site in regards to adding a Temple Stay link only as this does seem to cause some confusion for people who think a stay here is only possible by booking a package.We have pointed this out and I feel this will be resolved soon.
May you continue to be happy, may you be happy. may you attain Nibbana in the shortest possible time.
With metta, Phra Fred& Phra Greg.
… in four weeks is not possible to find everything, therefore I think to get back to the temple to continue the quest. But I discover. I discover what every person should discover…. the life itself.
Wat Sri BoenRuang, or Wat Pharang as Phra Greg and I call it. I remember first coming to this place of refuge. It was after 2 days of almost non-stop travelling that I entered through the lion-roaring protected gates. Tired and not knowing quite what to expect, my first feeling was actually that of joy as I saw some of the youngest novices having a laugh of the somewhat out-of-place Pharang trying to find someone who spoke english. Eventually I was showed the way to the “western part” of the monastery, first greeted by 3 lovely dogs that I would become quite fond of during my stay, and then Phra Fred which had a very easy and calm way of being (but be AWARE, his british sense of humour has not been killed off quite yet) which made my first social interaction with the temple rather pleasant, and so my joy grew even more. My next meeting was with Phra Greg, which was to become my much appreciated meditation teacher and friend. There was a good connection right away, and as I have experienced some monks may become a little pedantic and arrogant even, there was no such thing from either Phra fred or Phra greg. I am very thankful for the dhamma sessions with Phra Fred and the Meditation sessions I had with Phra Greg. providing me with a good balanced practice which was both opening and deepening. I am hoping to come back when the new meditation centre is up which I think will be absolutely beautiful. Full of peace, and a sanctuary for all meditators.
i planned to stay a week and finally stayed ten days. however it was much too short, but much better than not have came. before i arrived i have known few and wanted to learn about temple life, Buddhism & meditation. The introduction from phra greg and phra fred to all was great. well actually – all words cannot express my thoughts and feeling.
it was very rich days and i left with a huge curiosity to learn more, peace in my heart and a deep connection to this wonderful place.
It was 2 weeks stay in the temple where I felt it is the best of my 40 years of living, being a budddhist myself with little knowledge and know how, the stay taught me so much on Buddha teaching and meditation techinque.
Sharing time with guest from foriegn countries make me realized that to follow Buddha is a choice which can be applicable to all races and nationality. the fact the both of my teachers are foreigners just encourage me to push myself in follwoing the path of Buddha.
Everyday is a new experience and every new thing that we do be it on alms round, Buddha teaching, practice of meditation, they all offered great insight and push us to think about ourselves, our life and everything that we do differently.
I am looking forward next year where if possible, I would be so thankful to make my trip there again, just to learn more and practice more to improve my walk with Buddha.
I think and believe that guest reading this comment would not do justice to the experience as there can be only so much for words to relate what each individual experinces. May i take this opportunity for any guest who came upon this blog to challenge himself or herself to take a trip to see what life is about and what life is for and where life leads us to.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to both Phra Greg and Phra Fred for their devotion and love shown to us during our stay. It had been a great pleasure and honor for me to have the opportunity to learn from both of you.
thank you and may the Lord Buddha be with you all.
First of all i have to say sorry that it took me so long to write this comment.
I stayed at the temple for two weeks. At the beginning i just wanted to stay for a week or so but i changed my mind because i really enjoyed being there.
For me it was the first experience concerning buddhism and meditation. Thanks to Prah Greg and Prah Fred i really learned a lot and i will definitly be back for more medition lessons in the future.
As i arrived at the temple, there was a festival going on and the temple was quite crowded and i did not really know how everything gonna turn out. I felt a little uncomfortable as i was the only tourist there and i did not know how to approach the people and what they may think of me being there. But i met wounderful people and made good friends. Especially the women where taking care of me i such a kind way that i felt very sad leaving the temple. Therefore i also decided to come back as soon as possible.
During my stay i could participate at serveral special festivals, buddhist funderals and a stay for a few days at a forrest temple.
I really want to thank Prah Greg and Prah Fred to have given me the opportunity to experience all these things.
As being a women, i could not become a monk, obviously, but i could enjoy seeing my singapurian friend, who also stayed at the temple, becoming a monk and going trough the ceremony.And this was also quite unique for me.
To finish i have to thank Prah Greg and Prah Fred again for everything and i will be back again. Also, meeting the abbot was really wounderful for me and i wish him all the best from my heart.
I still don not know which way i will go in my life, but staying at the temple really raised my interest of learning more about buddhism and to follow it.
Thank you and hope to see you soon again
and please excuse me bad englsh…
Myself and my husband spent a full week at Wat Sri Boen Ruang, and we absolutely loved it! It was a very rich experience for us – having no knowledge about Buddhism and visspassana meditation before arriving. We experienced chanting, New Years celebrations, a novice getting ordained to a monk, a funeral, etc… and we got to taste great local cuisine and learn so much about Thai culture! I totally recommend this temple stay to everyone. Thank you to Phra Greg and Phra Fred for everything!!!
Wat Sri Boonruang 
william said…
Wow, what can words say about ordination, meditation, chanting the dhamma, ‘pindabaat’or almsrounds; experiencing danna and the generosity of the local Thais every morning and being barefoot in Thailand? If you have ever wondered as a Westerner (or ‘western minded individual’) what it would be like to learn and practise as the Buddha taught as a monk, then seriously consider this well organised and supported Dhamma Effort in Fang!!
You might not reached nibbana in this lifetime, but at least you can get your feet wet …
with metta,
w. wright (monkforamonth january 2011)
OreO said…
Well said William!
– Charlie
Lance Peters said…
I cannot speak highly enough of my stay at the temple – just a amazing experience and you will be well looked after and guided on your journey.
Everyone from Graham, Ben and Phra Fred and Phra Greg were so helpful and considerate.
There is much to learn, and many many opportunities to do so – make the most of every single second of your stay.
it really is a adventure of the spirit.
Lance Peters
Gary said…
My stay at the temple was only for 6 days, so did not involve ordination, nor did I take the 8 precepts, and as someone who already refers to himself as Buddhist, my aim was not so much to learn about Buddhism, but to experience and learn about the everyday role of the temple within the Thai community. I have to say, I was completely blown away by the experience and humbled by the warmth and generosity of spirit of the monks and novices at the temple,of Graham who facilitates on behalf Blood Foundation, and of the wider lay community in general. I can’t recommend this highly enough, suffice to say that it was so good, that I will definitely be going back for more! (Liking!Liking!)
Meera said…
I spent two amazing weeks at wat Sri Bouen Ruang. Here I had the opportunity to learn about Buddhism and Vipassana meditation from two knowledgeable teachers – Phra Greg and Phra Fred. The temple is a beautiful and peaceful place – a great relaxed environment in which to learn. My stay at the temple was an experience of a lifetime. I learnt so much and enjoyed it so much that I returned for another week. I would definitely recommend staying at the temple to anyone who is interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation 🙂
Wednesday, 09 March, 2011
I just returned from a three week stay at the temple. I was there last year and it made such an impact on me that I decided to return for an ordained stay. The program has changed somewhat and I believe the guests should have an option to pick the Fang Valley Experince or the Temple Stay.
Special thanks go to Prahs Fred and Greg for assisting me in my search and to Graham and Gina for putting up with me.
peace
Thank you for your kind words Ralph.We certainly enjoyed having you stay with us.
We are in discussion with the Fang Valley site in regards to adding a Temple Stay link only as this does seem to cause some confusion for people who think a stay here is only possible by booking a package.We have pointed this out and I feel this will be resolved soon.
May you continue to be happy, may you be happy. may you attain Nibbana in the shortest possible time.
With metta, Phra Fred& Phra Greg.
… in four weeks is not possible to find everything, therefore I think to get back to the temple to continue the quest. But I discover. I discover what every person should discover…. the life itself.
I hope that you can make it back some time Eliano.I wasn’t here the first time around and it would be nice to meet you.
Phra Greg
Wat Sri BoenRuang, or Wat Pharang as Phra Greg and I call it. I remember first coming to this place of refuge. It was after 2 days of almost non-stop travelling that I entered through the lion-roaring protected gates. Tired and not knowing quite what to expect, my first feeling was actually that of joy as I saw some of the youngest novices having a laugh of the somewhat out-of-place Pharang trying to find someone who spoke english. Eventually I was showed the way to the “western part” of the monastery, first greeted by 3 lovely dogs that I would become quite fond of during my stay, and then Phra Fred which had a very easy and calm way of being (but be AWARE, his british sense of humour has not been killed off quite yet) which made my first social interaction with the temple rather pleasant, and so my joy grew even more. My next meeting was with Phra Greg, which was to become my much appreciated meditation teacher and friend. There was a good connection right away, and as I have experienced some monks may become a little pedantic and arrogant even, there was no such thing from either Phra fred or Phra greg. I am very thankful for the dhamma sessions with Phra Fred and the Meditation sessions I had with Phra Greg. providing me with a good balanced practice which was both opening and deepening. I am hoping to come back when the new meditation centre is up which I think will be absolutely beautiful. Full of peace, and a sanctuary for all meditators.
Thank you so much. With metta, Daniel.
i planned to stay a week and finally stayed ten days. however it was much too short, but much better than not have came. before i arrived i have known few and wanted to learn about temple life, Buddhism & meditation. The introduction from phra greg and phra fred to all was great. well actually – all words cannot express my thoughts and feeling.
it was very rich days and i left with a huge curiosity to learn more, peace in my heart and a deep connection to this wonderful place.
many many thanks,
bjoern
It was 2 weeks stay in the temple where I felt it is the best of my 40 years of living, being a budddhist myself with little knowledge and know how, the stay taught me so much on Buddha teaching and meditation techinque.
Sharing time with guest from foriegn countries make me realized that to follow Buddha is a choice which can be applicable to all races and nationality. the fact the both of my teachers are foreigners just encourage me to push myself in follwoing the path of Buddha.
Everyday is a new experience and every new thing that we do be it on alms round, Buddha teaching, practice of meditation, they all offered great insight and push us to think about ourselves, our life and everything that we do differently.
I am looking forward next year where if possible, I would be so thankful to make my trip there again, just to learn more and practice more to improve my walk with Buddha.
I think and believe that guest reading this comment would not do justice to the experience as there can be only so much for words to relate what each individual experinces. May i take this opportunity for any guest who came upon this blog to challenge himself or herself to take a trip to see what life is about and what life is for and where life leads us to.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to both Phra Greg and Phra Fred for their devotion and love shown to us during our stay. It had been a great pleasure and honor for me to have the opportunity to learn from both of you.
thank you and may the Lord Buddha be with you all.
with Metta.
Thanks for your kind words Andrew.
Ivo left here this morning and I know he missed you when you left.
Hello,
First of all i have to say sorry that it took me so long to write this comment.
I stayed at the temple for two weeks. At the beginning i just wanted to stay for a week or so but i changed my mind because i really enjoyed being there.
For me it was the first experience concerning buddhism and meditation. Thanks to Prah Greg and Prah Fred i really learned a lot and i will definitly be back for more medition lessons in the future.
As i arrived at the temple, there was a festival going on and the temple was quite crowded and i did not really know how everything gonna turn out. I felt a little uncomfortable as i was the only tourist there and i did not know how to approach the people and what they may think of me being there. But i met wounderful people and made good friends. Especially the women where taking care of me i such a kind way that i felt very sad leaving the temple. Therefore i also decided to come back as soon as possible.
During my stay i could participate at serveral special festivals, buddhist funderals and a stay for a few days at a forrest temple.
I really want to thank Prah Greg and Prah Fred to have given me the opportunity to experience all these things.
As being a women, i could not become a monk, obviously, but i could enjoy seeing my singapurian friend, who also stayed at the temple, becoming a monk and going trough the ceremony.And this was also quite unique for me.
To finish i have to thank Prah Greg and Prah Fred again for everything and i will be back again. Also, meeting the abbot was really wounderful for me and i wish him all the best from my heart.
I still don not know which way i will go in my life, but staying at the temple really raised my interest of learning more about buddhism and to follow it.
Thank you and hope to see you soon again
and please excuse me bad englsh…
Myself and my husband spent a full week at Wat Sri Boen Ruang, and we absolutely loved it! It was a very rich experience for us – having no knowledge about Buddhism and visspassana meditation before arriving. We experienced chanting, New Years celebrations, a novice getting ordained to a monk, a funeral, etc… and we got to taste great local cuisine and learn so much about Thai culture! I totally recommend this temple stay to everyone. Thank you to Phra Greg and Phra Fred for everything!!!